The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1887-01-14

of that role" he retorted. teasingly.
(Which is one more. added to count.
less other proofs, that woman should
never be entrusted with secret But, :"
his face darkening suddenly, ''the ex-
posure will come. and tomorrow the
wretch who thought to lay his vile
plots SO that no human eve could de-
tect his agency. and my innocent
darling shall return to her own"
You staid away too long" said
Jessie, reprovingly, trying to keep
pace with his eager steps.
"Do you not know that after l had
resisted the first overpowerlng impulse
to fly to her in her trouble every hour
seemed like years. But almost at the
same moment the news of her trouble
came l stumbled. by miracle, upon a
clew to this mans whole villainy. And
only the certainty of being able, by
untiring word, to bring to her an entire
vindication OF her fathers honor and
restore all she had lost, kept me to my
vow never to feast my longing eyes up
on her sweet face until l could bring
back its old brightness. And | have
succeeded, to-day my love- Tomorrow,
vengeance and restitution. There she
is-my darling!''
He paused, uttering the last words in
half-whispcr, devourng with his eyes
the picture before him. On the rustic
bridge a slight. dropping figure, walk
ing slowly, the sun shining on the
crown of dusky, braided hair. She
had taken off the broad straw hat
and held it listlessly in her downdrop-
ped hand. How Howard Vance longed
to spring forward aud clasp her in his
arms. But he restained his impa-
tience. and followed slowly, exultantly,
sure of the rapture that was to reward
his weary waiting. My love! My
queen.' he murmured once more. Il
will bring back the old brightness to
your face. and no shadow shall ever
darken it again"
The rumbling of the coming train
grew louder, and around the curve the
engine rushed. smoking and shrieking
like some fiery demon dashing upon its
prey. A wild scream, mans cry, SO
agonized and despairing that it chilled
the blood in the listeners veins, sound
ed from the gates. There was rush
of hurrying feet, and Ryall Gillette
flew past hatless and livid; an an
swering scream for Jessie, who stood
frozen to the spot with horror. But
Howard Vance saw as men see in their
dying moments-a sight that scared it.
self into heart and brain forever-a
tiny child standing between the glitter
ing rails, the wind tossing his shining
hair under the blue velvet cap, the
baby-red lips parted smile OF curios-
ity at the swift-comlng messenger
of death. Then, too quick for his
imploring cries and onward rush, the
girlish form had qu cllened into life,
leaped upon the track. and flung the
baby to safety! But Alison, fair Alison!
1t is the way of life to bring US Law
ishly the things for which we have
vainly struggled when we need them
no longer. The long, level rays of the
setting sun shone upon the fruition of
Alison's widest dreams. The lover
for whom she had waited so long knelt
clasping her still form to his breast.
watching breathlessly for a sign of
life. Her enemy bent over her, pen
itent, sobbing like little child The
passengers on the fatal train stood with
barred heads and wet eyes watching the
brave young life go out. The heavy
lashes tiuttered. and lifted wide.
"Queenie"' whispered Howard. slow
ly and gently using the old familiar pet
name. Stay with me, have brought
you justice and love. Stay with me!
There is much to live for!''
"JusticeH groaned the pentent en-
emy, You shall have it! Only forgive
me and live, Alison"
Jessie kissed the small. cold hand.
My Lady Alison" she whispered
softly; and Alison understood.
The dark eyes rested moment low
ingly on Howard face, then wandered
from him, past Life with her unavail.
ing gifts. smiled gloriously at some
thing beyond. and closed forever
Edna S. JACKSON, IN the Current.